PAD rallies in Phuket to “reclaim Thai petrol’
PHUKET: Key leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) staged a rally in Phuket Town yesterday to inspire support for their “reclaim PTT” campaign.
The campaign opposes the privatization of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) Public Company Limited, which currently operates as a state enterprise listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
The leaders of the PAD, better known as the “yellow shirts” after their street demonstrations led to the 2006 coup and ouster of the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, took center stage at Saphan Hin to speak to hundreds of supporters under the banner “Energy and Thailand’s Transformation to get through Thailand’s Crisis”.
The event, promoted as being held in order to educate the public in energy transformation, was a PAD “all star” affair.
Among those present were Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Pipob Thongchai, PAD key leader Somkiat Pongpaiboon, PAD spokesman Parnthep Pourpongpan, Asst Prof Dr Pichai Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Asst Prof Chumroon Na Ranong, Prapan Khunmee, Lt Col Rattakhet Jangchamras and Chatchawan Chatsuthichai.
The PAD key spokespersons urged the public to “reclaim” the state oil firm PTT in order to reap the benefits and gain cheaper pump prices.
The move would better preserve Thai natural resources that the PAD currently says are “being plundered” in the Gulf of Thailand.
“The petrol sold by PTT is sourced from Thailand – it is a Thai natural resource. We should take back control of PTT and pass on cheaper petrol prices to Thais,” said Mr Chamlong.
The rally yesterday made Phuket the 19th province where the PAD leaders have held rallies in order to garner support for the initiative.
— Kritsada Mueanhawong
